Mission Statement
To be a community leader in raising funds to provide for contributions to scientific studies and community education on best practices, and to promote projects that support the environment in and around the lakes within the Long Lake Watershed. ​

The History

The Long Lake Foundation was established in 1977 to financially support and assist in the preservation and enhancement of the beauty of Long Lake and its watershed.

​The foundation operates under Section 501c(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, which makes all contributions tax deductible.

​A Partnership for the Future

The Long Lake Foundation has expanded its board to include at least two directors from the Long Lake Association.  By doing so, the two organizations can better partner and work for the common good of the Long Lake Watershed.

Vision

The Long Lake Foundation will be recognized as:
  • a community thought leader 
  • a leading source for funding for new scientific studies and technologies
  • an educator of people within the Long Lake Watershed on best practices to cohabitate with nature and support the environment ​
  • an integrator of organizations that have impact on the Long Lake Watershed 
  • open to learning from other organizations and associations in order to prioritize and apply to its own efforts 

Our Board

Rick Kiehle* | President
Gerald Chefalo | Vice President
​Bob Krasa | Treasurer
Judith Albers | Secretary

Board Members

  • Brent Schnell* | Board Member - President Long Lake Association
  • Ted Brown | Board Member
  • John Fink | Board Member
  • Karen Wiand | Board Member
  • Dan Dall'Olmo | Board Member
  • Gregg Armstrong | Board Member

* Denotes member of Long Lake Association Board

If you are interested in becoming a board member please contact Rick Kiehle.

We Need Your Support
Your support is vital to the mission of Long Lake Foundation. You can support our efforts by becoming a member or making a donation. 

Community Partnerships

We are blessed to live in a spectacular watershed. But what does it take to maintain the health and beauty of this precious asset?

It takes organizations dedicated to preserving the natural features and ensuring our enjoyment of those by this community long into the future. That is where the Long Lake Association and the Long Lake Foundation come in.

These two organizations have different functions but share the same goal: preserving the beauty of Long Lake and its watershed for years to come. Consider the two organizations to be a partnership working for the benefit of the environment and its members. Here is a closer look at the work each does:

LONG LAKE FOUNDATION

  • As a 501c3 entity, LLF provides leadership and financial resources for projects and programs that enhance and protect Long Lake and the Long Lake Watershed.
  • Orchestrates the protection of the islands from fires and erosion
  • Makes possible the Long Lake/NMC Freshwater Studies program that monitors water quality on Long,
    Mickey, Ruth, Fern and Page Lakes
  • Works in concert with the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy helping to make the Timbers
    Recreation Area a reality
  • The LLF has made significant contributions to the enhancement and enjoyment of the lake, investing over
    $7,500.00 annually on average over the past 3 years.

LONG LAKE ASSOCIATION

  • As a 501c4 entity, LLA is the administrative arm of this partnership.
  • Through committees, the LLA oversees communication with the membership, monitors community
    affairs with the township, is a key news and information source, and promotes community involvement.
  • LLA is the boots on the ground and muscle that targets: Lake Science, Community Affairs, Fishing and
    Wildlife, Lake Management (which includes the detection and management of invasive species) and Water Safety. For example, LLA continues to treat Eurasian watermilfoil twice each year to improve the quality of the lakes for boating, etc. using advanced technology to limit the amount of chemical required to treat the lakes. 
Both organizations are vital for the long-term health of Long Lake Watershed. To assure cohesiveness, a prescribed number of individuals sit on both boards. 

As you plan your end of year giving, consider a tax-deductible contribution to the Long Lake Foundation. Your donation will help preserve the beauty of Long Lake for the next generation. As always, your contributions to the Long Lake Foundation are tax deductible under the 501c3 designation of the IRS code. These funds will go directly to the Long Lake Improvement Fund.